High Performance Computing

Question Bank with Answers

Q1. What is parallel computing, and how does it differ from sequential
computing?
 Parallel computing is a computing approach where multiple processors
execute or process an application or computation simultaneously.
 In contrast, sequential computing executes tasks one after another, with
only one operation occurring at any time.
 The main difference lies in how tasks are handled—parallel computing
aims to improve speed and efficiency by dividing tasks, while sequential
computing processes tasks in a single thread, often leading to slower
performance for large datasets or complex tasks.

Q2. Explain the concept of task granularity in the context of parallel

algorithms. How does it impact the performance of parallel computations?
 Task granularity refers to the size or scope of tasks into which a
computation is divided.
 Fine-grained tasks involve small, frequent operations, while coarse-
grained tasks involve larger, less frequent operations.
 Granularity impacts parallel computation performance by influencing the
communication-to-computation ratio; fine-grained tasks may have high
communication overhead, potentially slowing performance, whereas
coarse-grained tasks can improve performance by reducing inter-task
communication but may lead to imbalanced workload distribution.

Q3. Describe the difference between fine-grained and coarse-grained

parallelism. Provide examples of applications that are suitable for each
type.
 Fine-grained parallelism involves dividing tasks into smaller sub-tasks,
often requiring frequent synchronization.
 It is suitable for tasks that benefit from high levels of concurrency, like
real-time simulations or image processing.
  Coarse-grained parallelism divides tasks into larger segments with
minimal interaction, making it more efficient for applications such as data
mining and scientific simulations where processes can operate
independently without frequent communication.

Q4. How does load balancing contribute to the efficiency of parallel

algorithms? What challenges may arise if load balancing is not achieved?

 Load balancing ensures that each processor in a parallel system has an

approximately equal amount of work, maximizing resource utilization
and minimizing idle time.
 If load balancing is not achieved, some processors may be overburdened
while others remain idle, resulting in inefficient performance and longer
completion times.
 Challenges include uneven task distribution, especially in dynamic tasks
or systems with heterogeneous processors, which require adaptive
strategies for effective load balancing.

Q5. What are the key considerations for designing parallel algorithms that
exhibit scalability? Why is scalability important in parallel computing?

 Key considerations for scalable parallel algorithms include minimizing

inter-process communication, managing memory effectively, and
ensuring the algorithm can handle increasing workload or processor
counts without degrading performance.
 Scalability is crucial as it allows parallel systems to leverage more
resources efficiently, adapting to larger datasets and more complex
computations, which is vital for high-performance applications in
scientific research and big data analytics.

Q6. How does data dependence between tasks impact the design of parallel
algorithms? What strategies can be employed to handle data dependence
efficiently?

 Data dependence occurs when tasks rely on the output of other tasks,
creating a sequential dependency.
 This can limit parallelism as tasks must wait for dependencies to resolve.
  Strategies to handle data dependence include task decomposition to
minimize dependencies, employing dependency graphs to organize task
execution, and using techniques like pipelining or parallel loops where
dependencies are controlled.
 Efficient handling ensures better parallel performance and avoids
bottlenecks.

Q7. Explain the concept of fault tolerance in parallel computing. What

mechanisms can be used to detect and recover from faults in a parallel
system?

 Fault tolerance is the ability of a parallel system to continue functioning

despite faults, such as processor failure.
 Mechanisms for fault tolerance include redundancy (having backup
resources), checkpointing (saving system states at intervals), and error
correction techniques.
 These approaches help detect and recover from faults, ensuring the
system can continue without complete interruption, which is essential for
high-reliability applications.

Q8. Describe a real-world application that benefits significantly from

parallel computing. What challenges or optimizations might be specific to
parallelizing this application?

 Weather forecasting is a real-world application that relies heavily on

parallel computing due to the massive volume of data and complex
calculations required for accurate predictions.
 Challenges include data dependency, as weather models require
continuous input from previous computations, and high inter-processor
communication needs.
 Optimizations like efficient load balancing, high-speed interconnects, and
advanced scheduling algorithms are often required to parallelize weather
models effectively.

Q9. What are the four categories in Flynn's taxonomy, and how are they
defined?
Flynn's taxonomy classifies computing architectures based on instruction and
data streams:

 SISD (Single Instruction, Single Data): Sequential processing with one

instruction operating on one data stream.
 SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data): One instruction operates
simultaneously on multiple data streams, ideal for data-parallel tasks.
 MISD (Multiple Instruction, Single Data): Multiple instructions
operate on the same data stream; rarely used in practice.
 MIMD (Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data): Multiple instructions
operate on multiple data streams, commonly used in distributed and
parallel systems.

Q10. Explain the characteristics of Single Instruction Single Data (SISD)

architecture. Provide an example of a computing system that fits into this
category.

 SISD architecture processes a single instruction on a single data point at

any given time, following a sequential execution model.
 This type of architecture is typical of traditional, single-core CPUs found
in early computing systems.
 An example is the original Intel 8086 processor, which executes
instructions sequentially, making it suitable for simple, linear tasks.

Q11. Describe the key features of Multiple Instruction Single Data (MISD)
architecture. Can you provide a practical application scenario where MISD
architecture might be beneficial?

 MISD architecture involves multiple instructions operating on a single

data stream.
 Although rare, it can be beneficial in fault-tolerant systems where
redundant operations on the same data enhance reliability.
 A practical application could be sensor-based fault tolerance in critical
systems like aircraft control, where multiple computations ensure safety
by reducing the chance of a single-point failure.
Q12. Discuss the advantages and challenges associated with Single
Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) architecture. Provide an example of a
SIMD architecture and a typical application that benefits from it.

 SIMD allows the same instruction to be applied across multiple data

points simultaneously, making it efficient for data-parallel tasks like
image processing or scientific computing.
 Advantages include high data throughput and efficient use of resources.
 However, challenges include limited flexibility as all data units must
execute the same instruction.
 An example is modern GPUs, optimized for SIMD, often used in
applications like 3D rendering and machine learning, which require
processing large volumes of similar data.

Q13. Examine the characteristics of Multiple Instruction Multiple Data

(MIMD) architecture. How does MIMD differ from other categories in
Flynn's taxonomy, and what are its common implementations in modern
computing systems?
 MIMD architectures allow multiple processors to execute different
instructions on different data simultaneously, making them suitable for
complex, non-linear computations like simulations and scientific
calculations.
 Unlike other Flynn's taxonomy categories, MIMD supports both parallel
and distributed processing, contrasting with SIMD, which applies the
same instruction across data.
 Common implementations include multi-core CPUs and distributed
systems, where each core or machine can independently handle different
tasks.

Q14. What is a multicore processor, and how does it differ from a single-
core processor? Explain the advantages and challenges associated with
multicore architectures.
 A multicore processor contains multiple processing units (cores) on a
single chip, enabling parallel task processing.
 In contrast, a single-core processor can handle only one task at a time.
  Multicore systems improve performance, energy efficiency, and
multitasking capabilities but face challenges like heat dissipation and
software compatibility.
 Efficient software design is critical to leverage multicore advantages.

Q15. Discuss the concept of parallelism in multicore processors. How can

software developers harness the power of multiple cores to enhance
performance in applications?
 Parallelism in multicore processors allows tasks to be divided across
cores, improving application performance.
 Developers use parallel programming techniques, such as threading and
task partitioning, to utilize multiple cores.
 Libraries like OpenMP and frameworks such as CUDA for GPUs help
distribute workloads, achieving better speedup and efficiency in
applications like data processing, gaming, and simulations.

Q16. Explain the concept of multithreading and how it differs from

multiprocessing. What are the potential benefits of multithreading in terms
of program responsiveness and resource utilization?
 Multithreading allows multiple threads within a single process to share
resources like memory, enhancing responsiveness and efficient CPU
usage, especially for I/O-bound tasks.
 Multiprocessing, however, involves multiple independent processes with
separate memory spaces, suitable for CPU-bound tasks.
 Multithreading is ideal for applications requiring fast, concurrent
operations, as it reduces the overhead compared to multiprocessing.

Q17. Describe the difference between hardware and software

multithreading. How does multithreading enhance performance in
applications, and what considerations should be taken into account when
designing multithreaded programs?
 Hardware multithreading involves physical processor resources to
execute multiple threads concurrently, as seen in Hyper-Threading on
Intel CPUs.
  Software multithreading relies on the operating system to manage
threads, which may result in higher context-switching overhead.
 For optimal performance, designers must balance thread workload and
avoid synchronization issues to prevent performance bottlenecks.

Q18. Define the concept of N-wide superscalar architecture. How does it

differ from a scalar or a superscalar architecture, and what advantages
does it offer in terms of instruction execution and throughput?
 An N-wide superscalar processor issues multiple instructions per cycle,
unlike scalar processors that issue one instruction per cycle.
 This architecture improves throughput by parallelizing instruction
execution within the CPU pipeline.
 Superscalar processors achieve higher performance by fetching,
decoding, and executing multiple instructions, which boosts instruction-
level parallelism.

Q19. Examine the challenges associated with designing and implementing

N-wide superscalar processors. How does the width of instruction issue
impact the complexity of the processor, and what techniques are commonly
used to address these challenges?
 As the instruction issue width increases, the processor's complexity grows
due to the need for more functional units, complex scheduling, and
dependency resolution mechanisms.
 Techniques like out-of-order execution and branch prediction help
manage this complexity but require intricate designs to maintain
efficiency and avoid bottlenecks.

Q20. Define communication costs in the context of parallel machines. How

do communication costs impact the overall performance of parallel
algorithms, and what strategies can be employed to minimize these costs?
 In parallel systems, communication costs arise from data transfer between
processors, impacting overall performance.
 High communication costs can lead to delays in distributed tasks.
  Minimizing these costs involves optimizing data locality, reducing inter-
processor data sharing, and employing fast interconnects, which helps
improve the performance of parallel algorithms.

Q21. Discuss the trade-offs between computation and communication costs

in parallel systems. Provide examples of scenarios where communication
costs dominate and others where computation costs are more significant.
 In parallel computing, balancing computation and communication costs is
essential.
 In some scenarios, like matrix multiplication, computation is intensive
with minimal communication.
 Conversely, applications with frequent data sharing, like distributed
databases, have high communication demands.
 Optimizing algorithms based on task characteristics improves system
efficiency.

Q22. Differentiate between the various levels of parallelism, including

instruction, transaction, task, thread, memory, and function. How do these
levels interact in a parallel computing environment, and why is it
important to consider multiple levels of parallelism in system design?
 Parallelism exists at various levels, such as instruction-level
(simultaneous instruction execution), task-level (independent tasks),
thread-level (concurrent threads within a process), and memory-level
(efficient memory access patterns).
 These levels complement each other; for instance, instruction-level
parallelism enhances task-level performance, creating robust parallel
systems.

Q23. Provide real-world examples of applications that exploit different

levels of parallelism. Explain how each level contributes to the overall
efficiency and performance of the parallelized application.
 Applications like scientific simulations use instruction-level parallelism
for floating-point calculations, while databases benefit from transaction-
level parallelism to handle concurrent queries.
  Video processing leverages thread-level parallelism to manage frames
concurrently, enhancing responsiveness.
 Each level optimizes performance in specific application areas.

Q24. Compare and contrast task-level parallelism and thread-level

parallelism. How do they differ in terms of granularity, coordination, and
communication requirements?
 Task-level parallelism involves coarser granularity, with independent
tasks executed in parallel, often across multiple machines, requiring less
frequent communication.
 Thread-level parallelism operates within a single application with finer
granularity and often requires close coordination.
 Task-level parallelism is scalable, whereas thread-level parallelism suits
applications needing shared resources.

Q25. Discuss the impact of communication costs on the scalability of

parallel algorithms based on task and thread parallelism. How can the
design of communication patterns influence the effectiveness of
parallelization at these levels?
 Communication costs directly impact the scalability of parallel algorithms
because excessive inter-task communication can slow down processing,
especially as the number of threads or tasks increases.
 In task parallelism, where tasks may perform different operations,
managing data dependencies is crucial to minimize overhead.
 Thread parallelism, often requiring synchronized access to shared
resources, can become a bottleneck if communication patterns are poorly
designed.
 Optimizing these patterns—for example, by reducing data sharing or
implementing hierarchical communication—can make parallelization
more efficient, allowing the algorithm to scale better.

Q26. Define implicit parallelism in the context of microprocessor

architectures. How does implicit parallelism differ from explicit
parallelism, and what are the advantages and challenges associated with
leveraging implicit parallelism in modern processors?
  Implicit parallelism refers to the automatic detection and exploitation of
parallel tasks by the microprocessor without explicit instructions from the
programmer.
 Unlike explicit parallelism, where tasks are manually defined, implicit
parallelism leverages the hardware and compiler capabilities to run
multiple operations concurrently.
 Advantages include simplified coding and improved performance without
extra effort from developers.
 However, challenges include the limitations in detecting parallel
opportunities, especially in complex or unpredictable code, which can
restrict the achievable performance benefits.

Q27. Discuss the techniques and approaches used to extract implicit

parallelism in microprocessor designs. Provide examples of how compilers
and hardware architectures contribute to uncovering and exploiting
parallelism in applications.
 Techniques to extract implicit parallelism in microprocessors include
hardware-level approaches like superscalar execution, where multiple
instructions are processed in parallel, and out-of-order execution, which
reorders instructions to avoid stalls.
 Compilers contribute by reordering instructions, performing loop
unrolling, and optimizing code to identify independent instructions.
 For example, speculative execution can predict branches in the code and
prepare operations ahead of time, increasing the parallel workload
processed by the hardware.

Q28. Identify and describe current trends in microprocessor architectures

that aim to enhance parallelism. How are modern processors designed to
handle increasing levels of parallelism, and what architectural features
contribute to improved performance in parallel workloads?
 Current trends in microprocessor architectures enhancing parallelism
include multi-core and many-core designs, which add more processing
units, and improvements in SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data)
extensions for parallel processing.
 Techniques like hyper-threading and vector processing allow multiple
threads and data to be processed concurrently.
  Architectural features such as increased cache sizes and faster
interconnects also help to sustain high levels of parallelism and improve
performance in parallel workloads by reducing memory access times and
enhancing communication speed.

Q29. Explain the concept of task decomposition in the context of parallel

algorithm design. What are the key considerations when decomposing a
problem into tasks for parallel execution?
 Task decomposition involves breaking down a problem into smaller,
manageable tasks that can be executed concurrently.
 Key considerations include ensuring that tasks are sufficiently
independent to avoid excessive synchronization and balancing the
workload to prevent certain threads or processors from being overloaded.
 It’s also crucial to minimize inter-task communication to avoid
communication overheads that could diminish the benefits of parallel
execution.

Q30. Provide examples of real-world problems and discuss how task

decomposition can be applied to achieve parallelism. How does the
granularity of tasks impact the overall performance of parallel algorithms?
 In real-world scenarios, task decomposition is used in applications like
image processing, where each section of an image can be processed in
parallel, or simulations, where different components or agents are
modeled concurrently.
 The granularity of tasks—whether they are fine-grained or coarse-
grained—affects performance.
 Fine-grained tasks can increase overhead if communication is frequent,
while coarse-grained tasks may lead to inefficiency if tasks are unevenly
balanced among processors.

Q31. Define data decomposition and discuss its role in parallel computing.
How does data decomposition differ from task decomposition, and
under what circumstances is data decomposition more suitable?
  Data decomposition divides data into subsets that can be processed in
parallel, differing from task decomposition as it focuses on partitioning
data rather than dividing functional tasks.
 Data decomposition is more suitable when the operations are uniform
across data, such as matrix multiplications or large dataset processing,
where each processor can independently work on a portion of the data
without relying heavily on inter-task communication.

Q32. Illustrate the application of data decomposition in parallel algorithms.

What challenges might arise when dealing with irregular or dynamic data
structures during the decomposition process?
 In data decomposition, each processor handles a specific data subset,
reducing inter-processor communication.
 Challenges arise with irregular or dynamic data structures, where the data
size or access patterns are unpredictable.
 Such irregularities may lead to load imbalances, where some processors
have more work than others, impacting overall performance.

Q33. What is functional decomposition, and how does it contribute to the

design of parallel algorithms? Provide examples of problems that can be
effectively solved using functional decomposition.
 Functional decomposition involves dividing a program based on
functions or tasks that can be executed concurrently.
 It is effective in systems with well-defined stages, such as pipelines in
image or signal processing, where each function handles a stage of
processing.
 Examples include multimedia encoding, where tasks like decoding,
transformation, and encoding can operate in parallel.

Q34. Discuss the relationship between functional decomposition and task

decomposition. How can the decomposition of functions lead to the
identification of parallelizable tasks in an algorithm?
 Functional decomposition is related to task decomposition, as each
function may represent a parallelizable task.
  By decomposing an algorithm functionally, developers can identify
independent tasks that can be run in parallel.
 For instance, in a complex simulation, different functions handling
computations, data I/O, and visualization can execute in parallel,
enhancing performance.

Q35. Explore the concept of domain decomposition in the context of

parallel numerical simulations or scientific computing. How does domain
decomposition facilitate the parallelization of computations over spatial or
problem domains?
 Domain decomposition splits a spatial or problem domain into
subdomains, enabling parallel computation in scientific and engineering
applications like fluid dynamics simulations.
 By assigning each subdomain to a different processor, computations
within a region can proceed independently, and processors only need to
communicate along the shared boundaries, improving parallel efficiency.

Q36. Describe the challenges associated with load balancing in domain

decomposition. What techniques can be employed to address load
imbalance in parallel algorithms using domain decomposition?
 Load balancing in domain decomposition ensures that each processor has
an equal workload.
 Challenges include dealing with non-uniform domains, where some
regions may require more computations than others.
 Techniques like dynamic load balancing, where tasks are reassigned
during runtime, or partitioning methods that adapt to workload variations,
can help mitigate imbalances and improve parallel efficiency.

Q37. Define hierarchical decomposition and its significance in designing

scalable parallel algorithms. How does hierarchical decomposition enable
the organization of tasks at multiple levels of abstraction?
 Hierarchical decomposition is a technique for breaking down a
computational task into smaller, manageable subtasks, organized across
multiple levels.
  Each level represents a different granularity, allowing a top-down or
bottom-up approach to organizing tasks.
 This method enables scalable parallel algorithms by structuring tasks at
various levels, which can be independently assigned to processors or
nodes.
 The significance lies in its ability to optimize resource allocation, reduce
inter-task communication, and enhance load balancing.

Q38. Provide examples of algorithms where hierarchical decomposition is

particularly effective. Discuss the advantages and potential drawbacks of
using hierarchical decomposition in parallel computing.
 Hierarchical decomposition is especially effective in algorithms such as
matrix multiplication (e.g., Strassen’s algorithm), fast Fourier transform
(FFT), and n-body simulations.
 The advantages include improved scalability and better memory
management, as tasks are structured in layers that reduce inter-level
communication.
 Potential drawbacks involve increased complexity in managing the
hierarchy and the need for sophisticated scheduling to handle
dependencies between levels effectively.

Q39. Explain the concept of task granularity in the context of parallel

computing. How does the granularity of tasks impact the performance and
efficiency of parallel algorithms? Provide examples of scenarios where fine-
grained tasks and coarse-grained tasks are appropriate.
 Task granularity refers to the size of tasks within a parallel algorithm.
 Fine-grained tasks consist of smaller units, increasing parallelism but also
communication overhead.
 Coarse-grained tasks, which are larger, reduce communication costs but
may limit parallel efficiency.
 Fine-grained tasks are suitable for applications with high concurrency,
like real-time simulations, while coarse-grained tasks are often better for
data-intensive workloads, such as batch processing in scientific
computing.
Q40. Discuss the challenges associated with balancing task granularity in
parallel algorithms. How does the choice of task granularity influence load
balancing and the overall scalability of parallel systems?
 Balancing task granularity involves choosing a size that optimizes
performance without overburdening the system with overhead.
 Fine granularity can lead to high communication costs, while too coarse
granularity may cause load imbalance, where some processors are
overutilized, and others remain idle.
 Effective granularity impacts scalability by ensuring efficient processor
usage and minimal idle times.

Q41. Define inter-task communication in parallel computing. Why is it

essential, and what role does it play in coordinating the execution of
parallel tasks?
 Inter-task communication is the exchange of data or synchronization
signals between parallel tasks, essential for coordinating and aligning task
progress.
 It enables shared data access and the flow of results between dependent
tasks, ensuring computational consistency and avoiding redundant
processing.

Q42. Compare and contrast message passing and shared memory as

communication models between parallel tasks. Under what circumstances
would you prefer one communication model over the other?
 In the message-passing model, tasks communicate by sending and
receiving messages, which is ideal for distributed systems where shared
memory isn't available.
 The shared memory model allows tasks to directly access common
memory locations, useful in systems with shared architecture.
 Message passing is preferred in large-scale, distributed environments,
while shared memory is optimal for multi-core or single-machine setups
where speed of access is crucial.
Q43. Describe the importance of synchronization in parallel computing.
What types of synchronization mechanisms are commonly used to manage
interactions between parallel tasks?
 Synchronization ensures that parallel tasks access shared resources in a
coordinated manner, preventing conflicts or race conditions.
 Common mechanisms include locks, barriers, and semaphores.
 These mechanisms help maintain data integrity and provide a structured
approach to managing parallel execution dependencies.

Q44. Discuss the impact of data dependence between tasks on the design of
parallel algorithms. How can dependencies be managed to avoid race
conditions and ensure the correctness of parallel computations?
 Data dependence occurs when tasks require data produced by others,
potentially creating bottlenecks in parallel execution.
 Dependencies are managed through techniques like locking, task
reordering, or dependency graphs to avoid race conditions and ensure
accurate results.
 Proper dependency handling is crucial for maintaining correctness
without sacrificing too much efficiency.

Q45. Explain the concept of load balancing in parallel computing. What is

the significance of load balancing, and how does it impact the overall
performance of parallel algorithms?
 Load balancing distributes work evenly across processors to avoid
situations where some processors are idle while others are overloaded.
 It directly impacts performance by ensuring that computational resources
are fully utilized, reducing execution time and enhancing the overall
efficiency of parallel algorithms.

Q46. Discuss various mapping techniques used for load balancing.

Provide examples of static and dynamic load balancing strategies and
explain the advantages and challenges associated with each.
 Static load balancing assigns tasks at the beginning, based on estimated
workload, with examples including round-robin and random allocation.
  Dynamic load balancing adjusts the distribution as the computation
progresses, reacting to workload changes in real-time.
 While static methods are simpler and have lower runtime overhead,
dynamic methods are better for unpredictable workloads but introduce
complexity in tracking processor loads.

Q47. Describe dynamic load balancing in the context of parallel algorithms.

How does dynamic load balancing differ from static load balancing, and
under what circumstances is dynamic load balancing more suitable?
 Dynamic load balancing continuously monitors processor load and
redistributes tasks as needed, responding to workload variations.
 Unlike static balancing, which is predetermined, dynamic balancing
adapts in real-time, making it suitable for irregular or highly variable
tasks, where static approaches may lead to imbalances.

Q48. Explore specific algorithms or approaches used for dynamic load

balancing. What criteria are considered when deciding to dynamically
redistribute the workload among processors, and how does it contribute to
improved efficiency in parallel systems?
 Dynamic load balancing approaches include work-stealing, where
underloaded processors take tasks from overloaded ones, and work-
sharing, where overloaded processors offload tasks.
 Criteria for redistribution consider task completion rates, inter-processor
communication costs, and system topology.
 By adapting to workload changes, dynamic balancing enhances system
efficiency and minimizes processor idle time.